Transformers G1 Optimus Prime Repair Vintage Hasbro RetroBlasting

Support us on PATREON: / retroblasting
RetroBlasting does some repair work on a childhood Transformers G1 Optimus Prime right before the RB studio moves to a new location!
#RetroBlasting #toyrestoration #OptimusPrime #Transformers

[@edhill4486]

I remember having the original G1 Optimus Prime. I got him from my Mom for my seventh birthday party. All the kids wanted to play with him because transformers were the new cool thing. And being a dummy, I let them, thinking I was being a good guy. Then, after cake and ice cream, everyone says their goodbyes and leaves. I headed straight for Optimus Prime. Now he was all mine to play with. I picked him up, and ''CLINK'' goes his left leg onto the floor. One of my ''friends'' had broken him right at the point where the leg meets the hip. They then went to the trouble of putting him back so that he looked okay long enough for them to leave without anyone being the wiser. Mom tried to fix him with super glue, but you couldn't really transform him anymore. It all ended well enough the next day at school when I broke all their legs.

[@bkdmode]

So you broke all those kids' legs? Huh... So, how many people have you killed so far? Don't worry, you can tell me; I'm not a cop.

[@coffeeguru]

Ha hahaHa! Thanks for a good laugh!

[@davetriplett4779]

Sharing is Caring......😢

[@zeldahyrule543]

@@bkdmode he broke there legs so he wouldn't be charged for attempted murder

[@JBBrickman]

Woa my heart almost stopped in the first sentence before you said "in this house" I was like nooooooo

[@retroblasting]

+JB Brickman Sorry! HAHA

[@SovereignKnight74]

That red pin that is inside the shoulders is actually supposed to be fused to the inside ratchet joint. It's a common issue that the pin breaks off of the inner ratchet. The pin is often lost as it falls out of a hole in the shoulder behind one of the smokestacks. It's mainly a guide pin. Luckily, it only makes a slight impact on the functionality of the ratchet joint. I know this is about 7 years too late for a comment, but I've discovered this video as I was recently rebuilding a few G1 Optimus Primes, myself. BTW, You have a T4 Optimus Prime. I know this because I saw a #4 stamped on the inside of one of the trailer sides. A good resource to learn about the different versions of Optimus Prime would be to search "Fred's Workshop". I learned a lot from there.

[@jasonknight8581]

Mike, while I don't think it affected yours, I think you missed a part where the gear closest to the smoke stack is keyed on the arm. If you look inside Prime's arm at 10:27, you'll notice there is an indent in the plastic to hold the tab on the gear that can be seen on the top of the piece at 10:35. While restoring my Optimus, my arm assembly wouldn't work correctly unless the tab on the gear was perfectly slotted into the gap. Also, Molotow brand chrome markers do miraculous work for restoring the chrome on Optimus or any figure where the chrome rubbed off. They can be reasonably had on the Internet in a variety of sizes. I don't know how you feel about them, but to anyone out there who is bothered by their toy's loss of chrome, it's something to look into.

[@chriscummings4206]

I was in middle school when I got my Transformers, so it was kind of teetering on the edge of that, "Still playing with baby toys?!" I pretty much knew I was playing with junk when my Megatron broke. My Optimus Prime is all worn out, he will not stay together in truck form and will not stand up on his own in robot form. For many reasons I prefer G.I. Joe over Transformers, but I still love the Transformers story. ❤️😂

[@rictusmetallicus]

So Skeletor finally moves to Castle Grayskull?! I don't really like Transformers, but those restauration videos are always interesting, whatever it is being restored. One can always learn a new trick or technique, or about tools to use.

[@GamerToyz]

Can't wait to see the new HQ. Great video as usual!

[@superdaddy1973]

Lol, my heart skipped a beat watching that intro. Soo mean!

[@retroblasting]

+Mike Co ha-ha. Sorry Mike

[@emailchrismoll]

+RetroBlasting Most use a tractor trailer? I guess the rest of us scrubs just rent a Uhaul.

[@emailchrismoll]

+Timothy Ward Yes most likely just a segue....but I kinda took it like this... "Most people use Turtle Wax to polish their DeLorean" I grew up poor and never got a chance to play with many toys so I like to watch these vids to see what it was like. My transformers were the Gobots that came from Wendy's. Other than that, instead of playing with toy robots I used to look in catalogs of toy robots and imagine playing with them.

[@chrisnwi1209]

Great restoration video Michael. You went much further than I did when I replaced my smoke stack I just removed the 2 back screws and pulled the arm apart just enough to remove the broken stack. I also replaced the headlights on mine cause the holes that hold the fists had been played with so much that they no longer held the fists (a pain to do if you want to not have to replace the lower arm stickers). Anyway congratulations on the move and I look forward to future videos.

[@stevenmabee3232]

good luck on the move! I am moving myself..Out of San Diego Ca to Fort Wayne Indiana. I still have that Terror Drome all nice and packaged for ya when you are settled, and if I can ever get it to you ;p

[@hosomi1833]

I'm actually restoring my dad's old ultra Magnus since he died I wanted to finish that sucker for him so I have 1 a g1 transformer and 2 something to remember him by

[@dasheight]

Congrats on the move, guys. Always a lot of trouble, but hopefully you'll have some more room for everything in the end. ;-) Good luck.

[@kurt5987]

I love how RetroBlasting actually cares about its subscribers and replies to their comments to help them unlike some other KZbinrs!

[@retroblasting]

+The Mangle We do what we can. We're all part of the same team.

[@kurt5987]

***** I agree!

[@seancwilich8852]

When i was younger, I accidently broke my Optimus Prime. His arm broke off, so I had to take him apart to put his arm back on.

[@TheYottaTube]

Interesting! As a child I used to have the Transformers G1 PowerMaster Optimus Prime, but I found it a bit ugly, so I traded it with a friend for this one.

[@Meihuar2006]

Another great video--would you call the original transformers "flimsy and a bit crude"? I guess for the era and for the amount of transforming they did, Hasbro did the best with what it had. But, I was less impressed with them than the 5" Shogun Warriors (granted, I was also only 8 years old for the Shogun Warriors). I was probably also heavily influenced by GI Joe, with its high amount of articulation, whereas the transformers were nearly "statues" except for their transformation process.

[@retroblasting]

+Tim Hammack Yes, they are flawed toys to be sure.

[@EazyMoneyEntetainment]

Whenever I try to make mine stand the body bends backwards how do I fix that?

[@yaoyao9]

Man, when I first heard "this is the last RetroBlasting video we'll ever make...", I really freaked out. But, considering that Michael probably wasn't gonna end the channel on a series he doesn't like (Transformers duped our childhood), it was probably a giveaway that the channel won't end.

[@ToonamiT0M]

When I replaced the smoke stacks on my G1 Optimus, I just unscrewed the back of the arms. What was the reasoning behind disasembling the entire body?

[@aaronmould7950]

Can i ask how you repaired them?

[@ToonamiT0M]

@@aaronmould7950 Mine was a simple swap job. Took the taller stacks off my childhood G2 rerelease and used them to replace the short "safety" stacks on my 25th anniversary version. All I had to do was remove the screws from the back of the upper arms. Be careful that you don't loose any parts because there are little spring like pieces that give tension to the elbows that might shoot out once opened. I swapped the stacks, carefully replaced all the parts, (tweezers might help if you have big fingers), and screwed the arms back together. I didn't need to do nearly as much disassembly as was done in this video.

[@CKSRichardson]

I'm sure that the proper pluralization of Optimus Prime is to drop the Optimus and exclaim, "Primes!" in your best Ironhide voice.

[@retroblasting]

+CKS Richardson HAHA

[@batangbatugan]

I always find myself holding my breath when I watch these videos. It's fascinating how these G1 toys had quite a level of engineering despite their seemingly simple look and transformation. Definitely excited to see your new home/studio!

[@retroblasting]

+Wilson Tortosa thanks. The studio will be a process that will take time, but we finally have the space to do it!

[@SBR-kk7py]

I have a question, I have a g1 optimus prime exactly like this one but mine is missing the head, the red piece that holds the head, the hands the axe and the gun, it also is missing the right side front bumper, I want to fix this toy to bring it back to its old self but I don't know what to do to fix it, I need help

[@GenXToysGeek]

when you show the open trailer, you say 2 missiles, and have atext you have all misiles. Yet I do not see the missiles in the video?

[@retroblasting]

+JS S they're in rollers back seat

[@79TEOG]

You made that way harder than needed to be. Loosen the two screws in back on arm and only pull apart far enough for the stack to come out, very quick and easy. Taking it all apart like that just ups the chances of braking something.

[@aaronjordan2770]

The ocd part of me totally appreciates those moving boxes, organized and clearly labeled. As always great video. Thanks

[@bgddyphil]

yeah I would never attempt to repair a transformer. great job!

[@Townsvilletale]

Was there actually any reason to take Prime's torso apart? Weren't the two arm screws on the back of his arms completely accessible before you took him apart? I found that weird -- did you do that just to show us what he's like inside? --Andrew S.

[@retroblasting]

+Townsvilletale yes

[@dol_mel7487]

it would lovely to see a retroblasting repair video for black zarak an holy grail of g1 if it is possible to make gold plastic less brittle

[@GeneralSantucci1st]

One of my hips joints are broken 😭 is there a hot glue trick ? I have the broken tiny plastic parts

[@GLITZandGLOOM]

Every time I watch these restoration videos, my heart always skips a beat haha. You're like a mad scientist though! Love the videos, and good luck with the big move, guys =)

[@TVfanfanatic]

Looking back at the G1 Transformers and how fragile they are, I'm surprised they can even be repaired, without causing more damage! Great job!

[@dol_mel7487]

it would be neat to see an powermaster prime fix too cause I have seem some people having some damage to their powermaster primes too

[@WyzGyzEntertainment]

I remember Optimus was quite tricky in the disassembly And the reassembly . I can’t remember why I ever disassembled him. Maybe there was some tiny piece of plastic that fell inside somehow. My biggest crime was because she was so scratched up and lost a lot of his red paint on his chassis I had the bright idea to repaint him in a God awful almost neon kind of orange red.

[@Primetime2024]

This was a excellent video. No doubt....but there was a lot of extra work done just for a smoke stack. The upper torso didn't have to be diassembled. Just the two screws on the back of each arm. I do recommend a pain pen for those smoke stacks. It looks like Prime was really taken care of over the years. A couple of layers of nice shiny chrome paint would bring it out more. Good luck on finding the hose and gas handle. Everywhere I go I see price gauging for G1 parts. Again, excellent video.

[@COMBOY]

Is it really THAT hard to find the little pieces? I mean, the gas nuzzle and the hose? because I want to buy them from Ebay someday, but I need some advice first, is it safe to buy those pieces from there?

[@retroblasting]

+COMBOY The nozzle and hose are difficult - the hose being the hardest. There are also tons of Chinese knockoffs now, so getting authentic parts is a real gamble.

[@tayvenponder]

You’re supposed to pull the shoulders back before flipping them out

[@weprin2]

Well Michael, I'll have you know that I've been doing some kit bashing myself. But with two different variants of Lion Force Voltron Taiwan versions. And I've found out it's just as a lot of fun to do. Especially the two I just received today in the mail. I figured they've seen better days when I first sighted them in the pictures on eBay so I figured there was something I had to do. This is no different than what I did with Original Beast Wars Megatron four years ago.

[@DJ80s]

How would you replace broken legs? Do you have a video for that? (My childhood Optimus Prime has 2 broken legs seperated from the hip ratchet joints that I super glued back together as a child, which made it so the legs won't fold all the way into Robot Mode.)

[@chrishartleroad5827]

Trying to find a repair video of Gavatron G-1

[@manueladelacruz5577]

hello do you know where i can get new rubber tires for my RID transformers toys

[@JokerIsAJoker]

My copy has a essentially grounded the hip esembly and the legs cannot transform all the way with out the figure not having straight legs. Is there a fix to this

[@soterioncoil2163]

I'm always pleased when you guys post a new video! Yo Retro! (blasting). xO

[@HoovesHooverman]

Well darn it, I was hoping to find a way to fix my g1 prime, as for some reason the springs that hold his legs and allow them to collapse inwards for truck mode are *WAY* to tight. So tight he can't stand up without his legs retracting on their own. To bad to see that his lower torso isnt made to come apart, but thanks for the good review!

[@seanlavoie2]

My brothers vintage weapon looked bigger than that. Probably not important, but that gun probably came from the the re issues (or what ever it's called).

[@Thor13332]

I still have my G1 Optimus from childhood. It's a little beat up but I managed to keep his original fists, missiles, roller and laser rifle.

[@williamturk2330]

3:27 Would you recommend using a JIS cross-head driver? I've heard that they were less likely to strip out the head of the screw.

[@chriswilliam8974]

my optimus head used to come off regularly. used it to.recreate the story from the comics. when Shockwave had optimus ' head to access the matrix.

[@NakedHillbilly]

I got my G1 Prime for 10 bucks at the plastic Galaxy all because I watched you thanks buddy

[@MattakaMouse]

anyone have advice for duplicating or replicating a lost plastic toy part, limb or weapon?

[@thekaijumaster200x3]

I was shocked when you say "this will be the last retroblasting video." it scared me!

[@johnmarshall5611]

Any idea how to keep the fists from falling off?

[@pferreira1983]

I'm sure your brother will be happy now. I miss this old house you've filmed in since the beginning.

[@cruehead419]

Excellent video and very helpful in fixing one of my G1 Optimus Prime I own

[@JRock424]

Quite a few people don't know this but see the hole to the right of the opened trailer, to the right of the combat cockpit? You can put Prime's gun in there.

[@georgemccargar5545]

treating it like glass. they still remain robust for the most part. nice vid just seems odd how over cautious you are with it

[@munstarssb]

my g1‘s legs spring backwards into vehicle mode every time i transform him

[@Vallco4084]

Man, I remember re-finding my Optimus in my garage in 2000. First thing I did was transform him into robot and broke his chrome hip. Ugh! I was so pissed but since them bought 4 other ones mib. misb, etc... Still so sad about my original. He is now in a repro box and autographed by Peter Cullen. What a life he's had. lol.

[@BoStErO1905]

recovering from my nerdgasm. Gread vid

[@missionpassed4584]

is it worth putting oil or grease on the old dry joints to help resist friction damage?

[@tlaloc92]

Michael...you almost gave me a heart attack with the intro...Seriously, I was eating and my mouth stop chewing for a second...

[@retroblasting]

+tlaloc92 sorry man, but we're just kidding with ya!

[@mariacarrasco1558]

can you please do a video on inhuminoids and if you can thank you

[@drawingbyhand]

great restoration on g 1 prime. good luck on your move guys

[@makishepard]

you're welcome, and I hope you do more cartoon reviews.

[@RuneAnimations22]

I accidentally broke mine years ago

[@frost3266]

Hello, I discovered this channel not so long ago and I've been watching all the videos since then. You do an excellent work in documentation and content mixed with fun jokes. I want to thank you for this work and ask you to keep with the excellent work you do. Thanks a lot from Catalonia

[@retroblasting]

+Raul D'andresi thanks Raul! More videos on the way!

[@MrMark-hm9lk]

That's what she said. Retro joke for a retro toy show

[@derektorres6260]

My original prime lost a leg right at the pivot point 😢

[@mattleuty5285]

Great new video guys!!!! Good luck with the move, I can't wait to see the new place. All the best you two. x

[@retroblasting]

+Matt Leuty Thanks Matt!

[@williamgerrellames]

you have master piece transformers?

[@MrRe-pg7fj]

The Optimus prime is pretty good

[@wewyllenium]

optimus primuses :D Makes me wonder how current PVC and ABS on current TFs will fain in 30 years since most are now RoSH compliant.

Fantastic! I'm so stoked you are moving guys! I wish you the best!

[@retroblasting]

+Hjälte Björkdahl Thanks!

[@PatchPantsGio]

Thank you RetroBlasting. This vid will be VERY helpful for when I restore my G1 Optimus Prime.

[@TheSilvershaun]

it is not a gas pump but a welding gun to fix him

[@andreerodriguez4343]

Muy buen video, los felicito y les deseo lo mejor en su mudanza.

[@ripleygrimes]

God your intro scared me, good luck with the move!

[@retroblasting]

+RipleyGrimes Sorry! Just funnin' everyone.

[@jeremyweaver9598]

I've been working on a Metroplex I found in a lot of G1 TF's, I found at an Antique store. All the money I spent on restoring it, including the Reprolabels, I'll barely break even. So, it's really a labor of love, when it comes to restoring vintage TF's.

[@MarkDemeo]

It is interesting that this went up today,cause i've been re watching the G1 cartoon and last night i just watched the return of Optimus Prime 2 parter.

[@stickizonline]

Where's Rock Lords?

[@MJKToys]

I like this slightly more "relaxed" format. Can't wait to see the new vids in the new place.

[@retroblasting]

+Quality Toy Review! You mean the "unscripted" restoration style? That's how we've always done restorations.

[@MJKToys]

+RetroBlasting Yeah, that's the one. ;)

[@retroblasting]

+Quality Toy Review! Well let me tell you, unscripted reviews and histories of cartoons and toy lines are always exhaustive train wrecks. A repair how-to? Fine. Something bigger? Ugh. I've tried to watch them. Shoot me.

[@foch41]

Video Starts: I am like Jesus, what a way to break that news.... ohhh ok phew

[@retroblasting]

+foch41 Sorry! Just kidding!

[@shang6245]

It's my favourite Transformer as well. Optimus Prime is a complete classic icon of 1980's Toylines!

[@theduckofevil]

Good luck with the move!

[@masterofthewicked89]

It's a welding torch not a gas pump

[@retroblasting]

Gas Pump: www.unicron.com/tfitem/itemimage_view.php?mode=instructions&itemID=266

[@mjolnirmayhem5701]

my dad had a Optimus prime when he was a kid. I played with it a lot with my newer Optimus. when my cousin borrowed it from my grandma's house, he broke it. I still have a mini grudge against him. then again he was 4.

[@retroblasting]

+EmergedBridge 62 UGH - That stinks!

[@mjolnirmayhem5701]

+RetroBlasting if my memory is correct, I was in tears when I heard it went to the garbage truck. my only g1 transformer right now is a broken devastator, astro train and broken superion

[@blackhawk69100]

This isn't really repairing is it. It's just replacing parts. Your wife's vid on my little pony was true repairing. She did a awesome repair job on that.

[@retroblasting]

+Tristan Howden A broken part fixed with an unbroken part is *repair.* Or is it not repairing your car when you swap out a broken side mirror for an unbroken one?!

[@blackhawk69100]

+RetroBlasting dress it up how you want. The stack could of been repaired easily. You've done way better then this. Not really sure how you can go from a fantastic R4-D5 fix to 18 minutes of pretty much nothing on this one. I hope part 2 is better.

[@tonyjackson7610]

Awww...you DO like transformers!

[@retroblasting]

+tony jackson Yeah, in theory, just not in practice.

[@lapisproductions3787]

This is terrifying

[@jorge_1978]

The best toy ever...

[@crazyhorsefilms7434]

I heard the intro and was like Nooo then I was like oh oh ok

[@retroblasting]

+Crazy Horse Films HAHA

[@darkzadar1]

safe journey !

[@maxbrandt6]

This one brings back a lot of memories for me! Some days I miss (just a little) being a kid.

[@mathiasmorqubus]

I customized one of theses and this thing is a bitch to rebuild.

[@retroblasting]

+mathiasmorqubus No kidding...

[@secaII]

Awesome, loved my G1 Optimus! Thanks for the video.

[@cliffyk3380]

You bugger's I had the scare of my life at the beginning of this video, gonna have nightmares about no more retroblasting now :P

[@retroblasting]

+Infamous Noob Sausage sorry man! But don't worry, we're not leaving you anytime soon!

[@cliffyk3380]

***** better not :P

[@solar-e-clips9989]

Great video! you really scared me for a Second their. lol

[@retroblasting]

+Solar-E -Clips HAHA - Sorry Solar!

[@SparksNZeros]

i think id've cleaned the remaining chrome off of both stacks and replaced it with fresh chrome acrylic and sealant

[@retroblasting]

+lowelife101 That usually turns out rather matte. Besides, I like some wear and tear.

[@SparksNZeros]

oh yeah of course these things are personal preference, i tend to get good results from Tamiya, admittedly the sealant can affect the finish

[@Zeromusicmm]

Congrats on the move guys! Good luck!

[@retroblasting]

+Matt Moran Thanks Matt!

[@darthprime3884]

😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱he had me at the beginning😦... This is my favorite channel

[@retroblasting]

+Darth Prime Thanks Darth!

[@darthprime3884]

+RetroBlasting 😱😱😦😦🤗🤗🤗your welcome Michael/Melinda 😎

[@TheDuke013]

Any suggestions on how to rechrome old parts? Wondering if you have done a video on the subject.

[@retroblasting]

+TheDuke013 Watch the R5-D4 restoration

[@TheDuke013]

+RetroBlasting Will do.